 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-09-11 20:03
Hi,
I have benn asked to perform the "Star Spangled Banner" for the rededication of my Wal Mart store. They asked me to play a "jazz" version. They assumed I would probably play on sax. However, after listening to several versions on "You Tube" led me to Arturo Sandoval's trumpet version at, I believe, the Orange Bowl.
Sandoval hit a double high C which I can hit on clarinet.
Question: what reed could I use to get the best double high C. I am practicing it using a Vandoren 3 1/2. I have heard that a 4 or 5 reed would be better. I did not ever hear of a 5 reed.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-11 20:36
I would double down on the high C stuff. It is the proper use of air, both more of it and making sure that it is properly focused right at the tip of the reed/mouthpiece.
Now for the practical side of the house. The last thing you want for the National Anthem is a moment where things could go horribly wrong (there are a lot of those moments on Youtube as well). So I'd stick with elements that are both what you have thoroughly under your belt and that sound really good.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: kdk
Date: 2015-09-11 20:47
I don't want to throw cold water on your fire, but maybe a double high C won't sound as thrilling on a clarinet as it does on a trumpet. I'm not a fan of stylizing the National Anthem in any case, but if you do it, it should, I would think, be a performance that you're comfortable with, not one you'll be on pins and needles about until the event is over. After all, you as the performer aren't (or shouldn't be) the main point - the song is, especially its lyrics.
If you try to do the double high C (I don't know the Sandoval performance - is it the last note or the one on "free" that everyone wants to take up to the high tonic (C in C major) instead of the fifth (G)? - you won't improve it by using drastically harder reeds than you normally use. The C won't be easier and everything else will be much harder to produce. You need a responsive reed (one that works everywhere on the instrument) and the right tongue and internal oral position (what many call "voicing") to get the harmonic to flip in.
Karl
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Author: Wes
Date: 2015-09-11 22:25
For many of us, when we hear people improvising on or modifying our precious national anthem, it grates on our being. Please play it exactly as it is written.
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Author: MartyMagnini
Date: 2015-09-11 22:36
I agree with many of the above sentiments. At best, even if you nail it, it will NOT have the same effect as a trumpet player hitting a double "C" - it will sound shrill and piercing. I would go with something completely in my wheelhouse - it will be much more thrilling for all involved to hear it played well.
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-09-11 23:13
Basically I agree with most parts. I know that when I have played a Bill Holcomb arrangement of "Amazing Grace" ,again, for an event at my Wal Mart I play it straight with concentration of fluid tone and expression. It generates favorable results.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-09-12 01:56
Runner,
Although this is my opinion, I know I may speak for other veterans out there. Please be respectful and correct when performing the national anthem. Jazzing up the anthem either vocally- as has become all too common - or instrumentally really revolts me.
However, here is what I consider an appropriate revision.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE
HRL (former US Army, Sgt. E-5)
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Author: knotty
Date: 2015-09-12 02:46
Yeah IMO, I have to agree about the way the Anthem or hymns and other music of dignity. When they add voice or instrumental inflections, bends, grace notes, and all such attempts to "be different" just ruins the dignity, it cheapens and degrades the music. I shut it off when I hear such stuff, doesn't matter who is playing or trying to sing it.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-09-12 08:57
Star Spangled Banner is not my anthem, but I think that when playing any anthem, to move away from the way it was originally written is to shift the focus of the performance from the dignity of the occasion to the actual performer. Sandoval's performance was very good until the final phrasing, at which point it became about Sandoval, not about America. Herb Alpert's performance was more in keeping with the occasion. Having listened to various performers making a complete dog's breakfast of the anthems of countries in which I have lived, the practice makes me cringe.
Tony F.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2015-09-13 00:59
Ok, here is my take on the renditions. If the occasion is solemn (memorial of some sort) then naturally you have to take the respectful tack. On the other hand I have heard some pretty amazingly cool renditions at sporting events and even military ceremonies that most of the attendees enjoyed. Cool, is taking it in 4 as Marvin Gaye did at the NBA All-Star game many years ago (I'm sure this is on YOUTUBE). A friend of mine did an amazing version in four (without too much filigree) at several military ceremonies. Upon the first appearance, he was asked to do at least three more (at even more high profile performances) by the Command team (so it can't be all bad can it?).
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: knotty
Date: 2015-09-13 21:49
This is a OT question while Arturo Sandoval's link is above. Towards the end of the Anthem when he hits that high note, it looks like he's putting all the strength he can muster into it.
Or does it just look that way?
I've never played trumpet although I love the sound. Curious.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
Post Edited (2015-09-13 21:50)
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-09-13 22:00
Playing SSB in a generally unsingable key could make for a memorable performance. Concert E-flat comes to mind; it would showcase the rich clarion register of the clarinet, be easy to play, sound new and fresh to the audience, and hardly anyone would be able to sing along.
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Author: knotty
Date: 2015-09-15 03:36
Thanks Silversorcerer, A good many decades ago I remember Rafael Mendez came to my high school as guest trumpeter. I fell in love with his sound and bought all his records. But I never took up the trumpet, I was more fascinated with reed instruments.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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Author: runner
Date: 2015-09-28 16:33
My "Star Spangled Banner" performance was very successful. We held the ceremony inside my Wal Mart. I decided at the last minute not to go for the double high C. The acoustics would have made the choice sound inappropriate. I chose a tempo between m.m. 69-72. Played it respectfully. I did include a quick run to the high c section. My fellow assciates were very complimentary. One associate referred to the run as a "flourish. I observed that non musicians are measureably more complimentary of my playing than musicians.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2015-09-28 17:11
If the crowd sings along, the best key is (concert) Ab, which that leaves you, playing a Bb instrument, going up to Bb6. That's a reliable note on clarinet. Finger the "long" F6 and add the low F key and the throat Ab key.
If you're playing alone, take the whole thing down to the key of C.
Increase your reed strength by only 1/2 a number. And, by the way, #5 reeds are readily available.
Ken Shaw
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Author: fuzzystradjazz
Date: 2015-09-28 22:46
Congrats on a successful performance, runner.
Here's my favorite version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHXfoLlMAk0
Fuzzy
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Author: knotty
Date: 2015-09-28 22:55
One little nit about Armstrong, I wish the trumpet was distinctly more prominent in volume or, tone down the background instruments. Just IMO.
Otherwise nice!
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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